Modular pet enclosure and kits thereof

Abstract

A modular pet enclosure having interchangeable and configurable wall panels of varying size is provided. The tunnel connection panel can be placed in multiple different configurations and orientations. An open-ended tunnel that can be removably attached to the modular pet enclosure and a dwelling, including all known pet doors, is used for the pet to move between the dwelling and the enclosure.

1 . A modular pet enclosure comprising:
 (a) a base frame element containing a floor, wherein the base frame element has an upper face and a lower said upper and lower faces including a channel along at least a portion of said upper and lower faces;   (b) panel support means for containing a plurality of wall panels enclosing the sides of the enclosure, said panel support means being spaced at predetermined intervals and being held, at least in part, within the channels in the top face of the base frame element;   (c) a plurality of wall panels forming the sides of the enclosure, said wall panels being held in place by the panel support means and the channels in the upper face of the base frame element, wherein one of said wall panels comprises a tunnel connection panel, said tunnel connection panel including an opening and a connection flange surrounding said opening, said flange proving a base for the connection of a tunnel to the tunnel connection panel;   (d) a top frame element including an upper face, a lower face, sides and a channel along at least a portion or the lower face, said channel containing a top of each of the panel support means and wall panels, wherein one side of the upper face of the top frame element is higher than the opposing side, thereby creating a slant to the upper face of the top frame element;   (e) a roof element attached to and covering the upper face of the top frame element;   (f) a open-ended tunnel having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to the connection flange of the tunnel connection panel and the second end being attached to a mounting flange, said dwelling flange being capable of attachment to an opening within the dwelling; and   (g) two or more adjustable legs attached to the lower face of the base frame element, said legs being adjustable in length to allow for the stable placement of the modular pet enclosure on the ground.   
     
     
         2 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the sides of the top frame element contain a plurality of ventilation openings, 
     
     
         3 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein one or more of the wall panels are of differing size. 
     
     
         4 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein a side panel includes a door, said door being attached to open and close and including a latch to maintain the door in a closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the roof element is attached to the top frame element with one or more hinges and includes a locking mechanism intersecting with the roof element to securely maintain the roof element in a closed position relative to the top frame element, 
     
     
         6 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the floor contains a plurality of openings, thereby providing ventilation to the enclosure while containing and safeguarding a pet within the enclosure, 
     
     
         7 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the mounting flange attached to the second end of the open-ended tunnel is connected to a pet door imposed within an opening in the dwelling. 
     
     
         8 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein two or more base frame elements are interconnected to form a larger expanded base frame and thereby an expanded modular pet enclosure. 
     
     
         9 . The modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the wall panels are inserted into the channels on the lower face of a second base frame element, and wherein the channels on the upper face of the second frame element contain a second set of panel support means and a second set of wall panels, topped by the top frame element and the roof element, resulting in a two storied modular pet enclosure. 
     
     
         10 . A method of attaching the modular pet enclosure of  claim 1  to an opening in a dwelling comprising:
 (a) moving the modular pet enclosure to a predetermined orientation and location with respect to the opening in the residence; 
 (b) adapting the length and orientation of the open-ended tunnel as desired; and 
 (c) attaching the open end of the mounting flange affixed to the second end of the open-ended tunnel to the opening in the dwelling, wherein the open end of the mounting flange is sized and affixed. 
 
     
     
         11 . A kit comprising:
 (a) a base frame element, a floor, a plurality of panel support means, a plurality of wall panels, a tunnel connection panel, a top frame element, a roof element and a plurality of adjustable legs;   (b) an open-ended tunnel for connecting said enclosure to a dwelling opening;   (c) means for removably connecting a first end of the open-ended tunnel to an opening in the tunnel connection panel; and   (d) means for removably connecting a second end of the open-ended tunnel to and opening in the dwelling.